By Ali Khan

Facebook kids have done it; but are they really a ‘Tehriki’ now?

The entire country is in shock after the Oct 30 Jalsa of PTI. Guess what? Even Americans are dumbfounded. No one believed it was possible. Everyone that I spoke to asked the same question; how many? Even Imran Khan himself was shocked.

In my previous article I wrote that Zardari has played his moves right and set himself to become the next president as well. Before any Tehriki starts commenting on this article let me say couple of things.

I have decided to start calling PTI workers as “Tehrikis”. There are two reasons behind it. First of all the word I derived comes from Urdu word “Tehrik”, meaning “movement”. Even though some might suggest they should have been called by a name similar to the meaning of justice but I decided not to as in my opinion this movement is about a lot more than only justice. And yes, I do understand Justice is the most important principle this Tehrik will be governed by and based upon.  

Secondly, I believe that PTI worker now deserve the credit. They have done it. They deserve a title; a title that has not been given to anyone else; a title that is as unique as them and possess the new style and mixture of cultural and ethical values that they are evolving which history will call the pure Pakistani culture. Born and bred in Pakistan.

If you have ever read history and revolutions, now try living through them. Put your mind in that time and imagine what would you be thinking and experiencing during those times. Let me assure you for every revolution that you can experience through books and stories this one is no different; when the sleeping ones are woken up to the core; when they realize the power they possess; when they all believe in different qualities of a same leader; when they all have different missions but one goal to achieve; when those around them laugh at them as immature and idealists. Those are the times we today call “historical moments”.

Some of us might disagree with this but let me assure you. I can see when primary school kids will be taught of times when Pakistan changed its course. I can see when philosophers will be criticizing actions of Imran Khan in their dissertations. I can see when student of Politics will be taught Tehriki art of politics. Most importantly no one will treat these days at that time as revolution; everyone will call it Evolution. If you read American history you will realize in early 1900 hundreds today’s liberals were known as conservatives and today’s conservatives were known as liberals. Yes, American politics did bring a change in their course. Similar if not same is happening in Pakistan.

It was 4 PM on October 31, when “Tehrikis” started coming to Minto Park. It was a live broadcast on all news channels of Pakistan. Tweeting and face booking reached its peak on the internet. They streamed it Live where ever possible. Picture shots of every moment were being looked at all around the world. From fashion models to madrassah students; from retired citizens to teenagers; from industrialists to laborers; from house wives to working women, everyone was there in the Minto Park. That day, not the tall monument tower but those who were standing under it were the real ‘Minar - e – Pakistan’.

“Tehrikis”: understand this fully, that today your responsibility is far greater than before 30th Oct. You have to work hard. You have to make this Tehrik successful. If you want this country to be what you dream of; if you believe in your leader then it is the time for you as a “Tehriki” to stand up and make it happen.

The December 25 jalsa at Mazar e Quaid is going to be another test like many to come. Not the numbers that you have to show again but the elegance, energy and organization has to be maintained. You are educated, you are knowledgeable, you are the “Tehriki”. So be it and Prove it.

Go, spread the word, convince them and get them registered. Talk to friends and their families to support the Tehrik. Generate funds. Create brands and products. Convince chambers and commerce all over the country for the support. Show them dreams and promise them the reality. Make them believe in the Tehriki’s promise.

It is not the Chairman’s job any more. It is your job as a worker; as a Tehriki. The Tehrik is now bigger than a person. Imran Khan is just a symbol now, you are the real deal. It is your power based upon which Imran Khan will call shots. The stronger you are the more powerful Imran Khan is.

If there is a smallest chance that supporter from other parties will join the “Tehrik” then it is your responsibility that they do convert.

Remember Zardari has played his political cards well. Let us not underestimate him. He is going to try his best to remain in power. You have to make the Tehrik stronger. Stronger than ever before that when Tehrik comes to the roads, like a tsunami, no one can stand in front of it. Put pressure on people who are honest and carry political weight to join.

I am still standing on every word that I stated before. Win-ables will not join PTI, they are already tilting towards PML (N) as they are believers of the old times. Show them the new reality. Either make the Tehrik strong enough so that they join PTI or make every Tehriki a winner. The first task is hard; the second is harder.

The stronger a Tehriki is; stronger the Tehrik is. 

The Author is a group chief of pakistanfirst.com, a Pakistani Think Tank and host of INTERNET RADIO SHOW “THE EDITOR’S SHOW” AT WATAN RADIO.